Method and system of blending fibers



W F LEINEWEBER JR METHOD AND SYSTEM OF BLENDING FIBERS May 12, 1959 v Flled March l5 1955 Mayl12, 1959 w. F. LEINEWEBER, JR 2,885,741

lMETHOD AND SYSTEM OF BLENDING FIBERS Filed March 15, 1955 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR.

s claims.v (61.19-146) This invention relates generally to ber preparation and `more particularly to a method and system for obtaining a uniform homogeneous mixture of different types of textile bers.

In order to produce cloth of different textures, various methods and means of blending bers have been heretofore provided wherein the various elements are proportioned and thoroughly mixed to obtain a blended mixture.

In one method heretofore practiced, quantities of bers were hand-weighed in large amounts ranging from 50-100 pounds, whereupon the various lots of weighed bers were mixed and discharged into large storage bins for aging prior to delivery of the bers to the picker room. It has been found that storage of large quantities of variously proportioned bers results in a physical separation due to the different densities and characteristics of the individual types of bers. Moreover, the proportioning operation is subject to a large factor of human error and the use of storage bins takes up valuable space and adds to overhead cost.

Another method of blending bers heretofore practiced has consisted of the so-call ed o'or sandwiching arrangement wherein a large number of workers are used to break open bales of various types of bers and each of the workers will carry what is supposed to be a proportionate quantity of ber to a common mixing point, for example, the center of a large oor space, whereupon the various types of bers are subsequently mixed either by hand, or by introduction into a tumbler-type feeder machine. Because the quantities of ber are frequently quite large, it has been found that thorough mixing is virtually impossible. Moreover, the large number of personnel engaging in the tedious labor required in the practice of this method makes the practice of the method expensive and yunwieldly.

According to the principles of the present invention, a plurality of different types of bers are automatically and accurately proportioned, delivered in small increments to a common holding station, automatically sandwiched into a single package and each package is separately blended for delivery to the pic'ker room whereby the entire blending operation may be eected in one continuous operation and within an extremely compact space.

More specically, the system provided in accordance with the principles of the present invention includes a plurality of ber feeding and weighing machines arranged in battery to automatically and continuously weigh small increments of different types of fibers. A common holding chamber is provided and a conveyor means is situated between each of the machines 'and the common holding chamber. Control means in control of each of the machines regulate the concurrent discharge of all of the increments to the conveyor means for delivery to the common chamber whereupon a single sandwiched package is formed by the increments in the chamber. Each package is separately mixed in a blending machine and the mixed packages are continuously delivered to the picker room.

United States Patent O 2,885,741 Patented May l2, 1959 ICC It is an object of the present invention, therefore, to provide an improved method and system of blending bers which overcomes the deciencies of the arrangements heretofore provided.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a method of blending bers wherein the entire blending operation may be effected in one continuous operation and within an extremely compact space.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a system of blending bers wherein ber stock is automatically and accurately weighed n small increments, automatically sandwiched and subsequently blended in a continuous ow operation.

Many other features, advantages and additional objects of the present invention will become manifest to those versed in art upon making reference to the detailed description which follows and the accompanying sheet of drawings in which a preferred structural system incorporating the principles of the present invention and capable of practicing the methods described and claimed is shown by way of illustrative example.

In the drawings:

Fig. l is a schematic diagram of an automatic blending system according to the principles of the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a diagrammatic View of an automatic holding chamber with a sandwiched blend shown in dotted line deposited in the chamber;

Fig. 3'is a diagrammatic view of the automatic holding chamber shown in Fig. 2 showing the operation of the control means for releasing the sandwiched package from the holding chamber into the blending machine;

Fig. 4 is a side elevational view of a modied form of ber opening and ber mixing apparatus; and

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary elevational view of the mixer of Fig. 4 showing means for actuating the door thereof.

As shown on the drawings, the system provided in accordance with the principles of the present invention contemplates the provision of a plurality of ber feeding and weighing machines indicated on Fig. l by the reference characters A, B and C, respectively, there being one ber feeding and weighing machine for each type of ber to be blended in order to obtain a given mix of bers to produce cloth of a desired texture.

Behind each of the machines A, B and C is shown a bale of bers indicated by the reference characters a, b

and c. It will be understood that portions of each of the bales a, b and c are loaded into the machines A, B and C for opening and uing the bers.

Each of the machines A, B and C is provided with an automatically controlled weighing system including a weigh box 10 located subjacent a discharge opening controlled by a motor actuated valve so that predetermined increments of ber stock may be automatically and accurately weighed. Each weigh box is further provided with a hopper door construction indicated at 11 controlled by a suitable motor indicated at 12 so that each individual machine A, B and C may be set to a predetermined weight setting in accordance with a desired proportioning percentage of the particular ber to be employed in the blend and the entire group of machines operated in battery through an interlocking arrangement so that all of the machines in the battery line will dump their respective increments of ber stock simultaneously as soon as each of the machines has properly proportioned the particular type of ber being handled.

Contemporary ber feeding and weighing machines of the type vshown at A, B and C are capable of accurately weighing very minute quantities of ber stock. This is a highly advantageous feature insofar as the practice of the methods herein disclosed are concerned since it is possible by the use of such equipment to automatically and lPatent Number 2,727,279.

A continuously fast moving conveyormechanism 13 is provided fto receive fibers `discharged `fromI each of machines A, B,.and 4C and-to conveylthem toand discharge them into the automatic holding-chamber1.6. This lconveyor lmechanism l13 includes a'n iendless belt A14 arrangedv to receive the :fibers Idischargedlfromfeach ofthe vmachines VA, 1B fand -C;i'an`d alsof-includes 'a'separateinclined device 17 which serves lto 'transport bers fdischarged from belt -14to thetop of'holding 'chamber'. 16.

The device -`17 includes 'a fixed, inclinedhousinginto the lowerend -ofwhichtthe VVfibers are discharged from belt 14-and berfpropelling vmeans in-theflhousing .provided with projections which engage the fibers and propel them upwardly in the housing into the holding chamber 16. The fiberv propelling means shown is an' endless belt and the projections are spikes which not only engage and propel the fibers but tend to open them.

Each individual increment drops on top of the preceding increment within -the automatic holding chamber -to form a sandwich. The sandwiching action produces a layered package indicated diagrammatically in Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 atP. For most reliable results in obtaining proper blending, it has been found that .the-size of the sandwich should be effectively limited to a relatively small amount andshould vbe preferably limited to a package of less than pounds inn weight measure.

A blending machine 1S is provided to receive the package Pfrom the automatic lholding chamber 16 and includes `a plurality of beaters 19 to separately mix each package P, the mixed blend being discharged to a common outlet 20 for delivery through the discharge pipe 21 to thepicker room wherein the loose blended stock is received and subsequently formed into a lap, or `rolled blanket of uniform width and length.

Control means are provided between the automatic holding chamber 16 and the blending machine 18 to regulate the passage of the package P from` the automatic 'holding chamber16 into the blending machine-18. The

control means :are shown diagrammatically in Figs. 42 and 3 as lincluding-a hinged door 22-operatedvby an electric motor 23fas shown in Fig.- 1. The motor 23 may be electrically interlocked with the control means, provided in connection with-the fiber `feeding and weighing machines A, B and C,'for example, the motors 12, so that the package P will be delivered from the-holding chamber 16 into the blending 'machine 18 simultaneously with the concurrent discharge of all of the various increments of fiber stock onto the belt 14 of the conveyor 13. By interlocking control of the various parts of thesystem,

'separate mixing of each package P is insured, thereby contributing to the uniformity of blend.

In practicing the method of the present invention with the apparatus of Figs. l to 3, a plurality of separate types of fibers are automatically and continuously proportioned by incremental quantities in 'individual lots of less than 32 ounces apiece whereupon the lotsl are concurrently delivered to a common sandwiching station and sandwichedinto ai single package of less' than-10 pounds. yThe single package is' separately mixed, thereby blending ythe fibers for delivery-tela common foutlet from where'a supply of blended bers` may belfurnished yto the, picker 'roomfor subsequent picking, cardingand spinning operations.

In Fig. 4 is shown an opening device andamixer which may be substituted for the conveyor 17l and hopper 16 ofthe embodiment shown in Fig. y1.

Fig. 4'shows the opener'27--positioned-to receive increments of fibers delivered by the several feeders A, B and C to the endless belt 14. This opener comprising a sheet metal housing 27 has a ber receiving hopper 28 at its lower end and an outlet conduit 29 at its upper end, a pair of upwardly inclined beams 30, a plurality of beaters including shafts 31 rotatably supported on 'beams 30 and rods 32 projecting at right angles from said shafts, and curved vwalls 33 disposed below the beaters and close to the arc of the ends of the beater rods.

The mixer '35 is generally rectangular in horizontal cross section ybut with its opposite sides bulged outwardly, as at 36, to accommodate a beater which comprises rods 37 carriedbyashaft 38 which is mounted for rotation in bearings attachedto the mixer housing. The lower end of the chamber in`which this beater isdisposed is provided with an opening controlled by a door 40. When this door is in the opened position shown in Fig. 5, the fibers in mixer v `may. moveout-under the force of gravity and thereby bedischarged into the blending machine 18 of Fig.` 1 or intolany 'other suitable fiber handling apparatus.

The door 40 of the mixer 35, as shown, is opened by the force of,;gravity acting on it and on the fiber contents -of the mixer; -and is moved to and held in position closing the bottom ofthe mixer chamber by fluid pressure which apiston rodf- 46 having a piston at its upper end .movably `mounted in the cylinder 47 which is pivotally connected at its other end to the outside of mixer 35.

A-source of Huid under pressure (not shown) is connected to a pipe line 50 which has a shut-off valve 51 and which leads through a pressure regulating valve 52, a pressure indicator 53 and thence through two solenoid controlled valves S4 and 55. The end ofl pipe 50 leading from valve 5S is open to the atmosphere. Between valves 54 and 55 a conduit 56 leads from line 50 to the lower end of cylinder 47. It will be understood that when fluid under pressure in line 50 ows through conduit 56, it will move the piston on rod 46 upwardly in cylinder 47 with resultant closingof the door 40.

Valves 54 and 55 are quite similar in construction. In each thevalve body is provided with inlet and outlet openings-for flow of the fluid under pressure therethrough vand with-a valve seat between those openings on which a vcarries two switches 61 and 62. As is indicated in Fig. 5,

current flow in conductor 60 and coil 59 will move plunger- 58 up thereby breakingv the circuit from line 63 through switch 61 to Vwinding 55b and making a circuit through switch 62 and winding 54h. Thus when current flows in conductor 60, valve 54 will be opened and valve 55 will be 4closed with resultant vflow of fluid under pressure `through valve 54 and conduit 56 to. cylinder 47 whereupon door 40 will be closed. When the flow of current in line 60 is interrupted, switch 61 will be closed and switch 62'willbe opened with the result that valve 54 will close and valve will open, permitting air to escape from cylinder 47 and allowing door-4G to open.

It will be understood that the switch'57 also includes a timing device (not shown). When current flowsthrou'gh conductor 60 and energzes the coil 59, the timer coil (not shown) is energized and acts to hold switch 62 in closed position for a predetermined length of time after the flow of current through circuit 60 is interrupted. At the end of this timed interval the core 59 drops, breaking the circuit through 62 and making it through switch 61 as above described. The duration of this delay cycle is predetermined and is set by a dial indicator (not shown). If, for example, the feeders A, B and C are set to dump every 15 seconds, and 7 seconds are required for one batch of bers to travel from the feeder A through opener 27, the timer should be set to hold switch 62 closed for about seconds, Thus the fibers will be mixed for about 3 seconds in mixer 36 before switch 61 is closed and the bers are discharged from the mixer. The mixer door will remain open for about 5 seconds before switch 62 would be closed.

It will be understood that conductor 60 is in circuit with the electrical means which is connected with motors 12 of feeders A, B and C, so that current will flow through coil 59 when these motors are actuated to discharge weighed increments of bers from the feeders. A source of current of suicient strength to actuate the valves 54 and 55 is connected to conductor 63 and the conductors leading therefrom to the coils 54b and 55b are grounded on the mixer housing as indicated.

The operation of the apparatus of Figs. 4 and 5 will be understood by those skilled in the art from the foregoing description of Figs. 4 and 5 but, succinctly stated, it is as follows: When each of the feeders A, B and C is running and feeding bers into the Weighboxes 10, no current flows in circuit 60, valve 54 is closed and valve 55 and door 40 are open. When the weigh boxes have received their predetermined weighs of bers, all the motors 12 are energized and cause the weighed bers to be discharged onto endless belt 14. Simultaneously with the energization of motors 12, current flows through conductor `60 with resultant opening of valve 54 and closing of valve 55 and door 40. The motors 12 are promptly de-energized but due to the timer, current continues to flow through conductor 60 and door 40 remains closed for a predetermined time, such as the 10 second interval above mentioned. At the expiration of that time period, the timer de-energizes coil 59 which permits valve 54 to close and valve 55 and door 40 to open. Fibers discharged from feeders A, B and C onto the belt 14 are thus opened by opener 27, mixed by mixer 36 and discharged therefrom while the next increments of bers are being fed into the scale pans of feeders A, B and C.

This application is a continuation-in-part of my copending application Serial No. 222,233, led April 21, 1951, which application is now abandoned.

Although various modications might be suggested by those versed in the art, it should be understood that I wish to embrace within the scope of this patent all such modifications as reasonably and properly come Within the scope of my contribution to the art.

What is claimed is:

1. A ber blending system comprising a plurality of machines arranged in battery and serving simultaneously to feed and proportion separate increments of different types of bers, there being one machine for each type of ber, ber discharge means to discharge the said scveral increments simultaneously to form a rst batch of bers, a chamber having a movable bottom wall, means to move said wall into open and closed position, an endless belt disposed to receive the said rst batch of fibers, means to propel the increments of said rst batch of bers from the discharge end of the endless belt into the upper end of said chamber while a second batch of bers is being fed and proportioned by said machines, said propelling means including an inclined housing having its lower end disposed to receive the said increments as they are dischrged one at a time from the endless belt and having its upper end disposed to discharge said increments into said chamber, and fiber propelling means in said housing separate and distinct from said endless belt and provided with projections to engage said increments and propel them in succession upwardly in the housing and into said chamber, and control means to actuate said wal-l moving means in timed relation to the actuation of said ber discharge means.

2. The combination of elements set forth in claim 1 in which the said ber propelling means is an endless belt provided with spikes projecting therefrom.

3. The combination of elements set forth in claim 1 in which the said ber propelling means is a plurality of horizontal shafts provided with rods projecting radially therefrom.

4. The combination of elements set forth in claim 1 in which the said chamber is provided with a beater for mixing bers in the chamber.

5. The combination of elements set forth in claim 1 in which said control means serves to move said bottom wall of the chamber to closed position simultaneously with the discharge of said increments of bers and includes a timer which serves to maintain said wall in closed position during only part of the time the bers are being fed and proportioned for a second batch of bers.

References Cited in the le of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,929,344 Benoit Oct. 3, 1933 1,990,120 Furbush Feb. 5, 1935 2,127,120 Johnson etal Aug. 16, 1938 2,412,506 Greene et al Dec. 10, 1946 2,665,453 Senior et al Jan. 12, 1954 2,703,438 Greene et al Mar. 8, 1955 

